Lyme disease

10% of ticks of the Ixodes ricinus species are carriers of Lyme disease bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi). They transmit bacteria to their hosts – humans, dogs, horses – during blood meals.

10% of ticks of the Ixodes ricinus species are carriers of Lyme disease bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi). They transmit bacteria to their hosts – humans, dogs, horses – during blood meals. The majority of horses that are contaminated do not present any clinical signs. When present, these signs tend to be quite subtle: dullness, moderate fever, stiffness.
Other described symptoms are neurological signs, intermittent and changing lameness and eye problems (anterior uveitis). Diagnosis is made by identifying the infectious agent in the blood (serology or PCR). Pulling ticks off within the first 48h after the bite, can help decrease the risk of contracting the disease.